No good answer 4 this 1? :~)
I really don't think there is a really good answer for this one? As said by others before.
I would calculate a lot of my experience would say, it depends on the cues construction and materials. I have owned and played with several cues over the last 29+ years. I have only played with one TAD.
I have played in establishments and tournaments off and/on for the last 25 years. If I drop names of cue manufactures from the past to my present hitter, it may give you an idea what kind of style of cue I fancy? My first non-bar cue was a Huebler and I still have her. She has been with me the longest a H-13. I had her upgraded to an ivory ferrel some years back. I think she performs much better with this improvement, but that could just be me?
Since then, I have had several cues. I find cues with the SS insert joint and ivory ferrel work/perform the best for me. I like the focused energy of that style of cue. As I get older, I want the cue to do more of the work and me less of it. I like the cue to draw/masse with little or no effort. For me, I find the composite ferrel (ones on old Schon's) and the ivory work best for me over the plastic ones. Currently in my favorite list would be cues made by Richard Black, Jensen or Skip Weston to my specs, like an old Hoppe or Titlist style cue. I like a cue with points, it maybe just mental, but I think it focuses the energy better to the tip of the cue? I think production cues are great for beginners and I have a few, when I want to fly under the radar of the local bar flies (Joss’s and Schon’s).
I find the best way to find a good hitter, is to play with as many as I can (different makes, production and special order), as often as I can. I ask local players and friends what they have and see if I can hit a ball (loan of the cue for a few racks). My friends have always let me take testdrives of theirs and I will do likewise. In time you will find your "favorite hit" and it will make your day!
